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The first photo shows what I usually take with me when I paint outdoors. If I have to walk any distance this is fairly light weight and compact and means that I will actually bring it even if I end up not painting. If I had to take a lot of heavy stuff I probably wouldn't paint outside very often.
The little paint box is a very clever design and the star of the kit. It's been with me on planes and helicopters in carry on luggage. The water bottle only holds 35ml of water it might be worth packing it empty.
Closed it is about palm sized and might even fit in a pocket. Winsor and Newton's field box. I have had this one for a long time and it now contains my own selection of colours. It contains its own little water bottle that doubles up as a palette and a clip on water pot. It originally had a small reversible brush. That was convenient as it fitted into the box but for me too small.
The pencil tin with the piano keys contains a pencil, a sharpener, some kitchen roll and at least one reversible brush made by Pro Arte. I have a round which is about size 10 or12. It has a very good point so can be used for details as well as washes. I also have a flat and a filbert. Being reversible they fit the tin and the tip of the brush is protected in its housing.
The clip file contains some sheets of A4 cartridge paper and 1/8th IMP watercolour paper.
I also bring a small bottle of water to drink and if I am out for longer a sun hat, sun cream and an RHS lightweight waterproof cape.
All this will fit into a tote or shoulder bag.
Sometimes the little folding fishing stool comes too. It was given to me by a friend and is more comfortable than it looks and much better than a folding 3 legged art stool that I bought.
The little paint box is a very clever design and the star of the kit. It's been with me on planes and helicopters in carry on luggage. The water bottle only holds 35ml of water it might be worth packing it empty.
Closed it is about palm sized and might even fit in a pocket. Winsor and Newton's field box. I have had this one for a long time and it now contains my own selection of colours. It contains its own little water bottle that doubles up as a palette and a clip on water pot. It originally had a small reversible brush. That was convenient as it fitted into the box but for me too small.
The pencil tin with the piano keys contains a pencil, a sharpener, some kitchen roll and at least one reversible brush made by Pro Arte. I have a round which is about size 10 or12. It has a very good point so can be used for details as well as washes. I also have a flat and a filbert. Being reversible they fit the tin and the tip of the brush is protected in its housing.
The clip file contains some sheets of A4 cartridge paper and 1/8th IMP watercolour paper.
I also bring a small bottle of water to drink and if I am out for longer a sun hat, sun cream and an RHS lightweight waterproof cape.
All this will fit into a tote or shoulder bag.
Sometimes the little folding fishing stool comes too. It was given to me by a friend and is more comfortable than it looks and much better than a folding 3 legged art stool that I bought.
Below is another kit I sometimes use.
This is a shoulder bag, again Winsor and Newton. It holds my field box and an 8x5 in watercolour pad which is really too small for me. it has lots of useful pockets and spaces for brushes and pencils.
It's been to the beach and to Monet's garden at Giverny where I did some little watercolour sketches but overall not had as much use as the combo above.
The water bottle is larger than the one in my first kit. I got stopped at Gatwick airport as I had forgotten to empty it. I didn't want lose it but didn't fancy drinking it as it had been in there some time. I had an empty drinking water bottle with me so the water was put in that and handed over instead.
The water pot folds flat and when full looks like a little handbag.
In my next post I will show you what I take when I want to work bigger than 1/8th IMP
